The knife is probably used most often (especially a half-serrated blade), however the mini-flashlight, camping toilet paper and emergency currency are also frequently used items. Zip-lock bags can waterproof supplies, as well as be used to create or store water. A lighter, water-proof matches and tea lights are necessities and a miniature air horn is great for scaring predators or signaling humans. Even if you don't know how to use a compass, you probably know which direction will most likely lead to civilization.
Print out specific survival information such as types of traps, shelter techniques, edible plants in the area, first aid, and various knots. Even if you already know these things, they're easy to forget in stressful situations and good provisions for your comrades who will be anxious to learn. Printing a satellite map of the area prior to a trip is probably the most important piece of information you will need.
Camping suppliers have created a very compact and lightweight thermal blanket that would improve any survival situation. Garbage bags are lightweight and can be cut into ponchos, a tarp, or be used for ground cover. Hemp string is extremely durable and so compact that it allows for carrying longer length. Creating a shelter will be almost simple with string available; however dental floss and snare wire are also handy.
Immediate and long term water supplies are crucial, so along with a bottle of preserves it is smart to carry iodine or water purification tablets, plastic grocery bags for solar sills and/or a coffee can or tin cup for boiling. Carrying fish hooks and small buoys are useful, however fish nets have a greater success rate. Printing the directions for making a fish net out of string or a shirt is an alternative to carrying a lightweight one.
Hard candies enable salivation and honey packets contain 60 calories per teaspoon. Beef jerky is pure protein that will be necessary to replace energy lost to hiking or completing survival tasks. Granola bars (preferably the kind that contain two bars in the packet since it's unlikely you will be hiking alone) will ease empty stomachs more than the jerky or honey, and can also be used for trap bait.
A can of pop-top ravioli can be easily cooked, shared, eaten with a knife and turned into a cup. Garlic powder can be used for cooking or sprinkled around camp as a repellent for mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. Other options are dried fruits or anything individually packaged that is not salty.
Along with a traditional first aid kit and snake bite kit, hiking survival kits should include an elastic bandage wrap that can be used for sprained appendages as well as for hand mitts to remove boiling water from the fire or hand warmth in the cold.
Aspirin and a miniature bottle or two of liquor will be useful in many situations. If someone is in pain, giving them a shot is more likely to boost their spirits, a key element to survival. Both aspirin and alcohol are blood-thinners, so be sure not to administer them inappropriately.
One of the easiest ways to save a life is by carrying an epinephrine auto-injector. Anaphylactic shock is almost instantly deadly and anyone could have developed an allergy to bees, pine, certain fungi or anything else without knowing it since allergies can change over time. Read up on the symptoms of anaphylactic shock so you know when to save a life.
Whenever you are in the wilderness, there will be pests and hazards. Consider bringing bug spray, burn ointment, sunblock, lip balm and hand sanitizer.
If you have to be stuck in dire circumstances, it will be energizing to have a little luxury. Bring a deck of cards and/or puzzle print outs such as madlibs or crosswords for entertainment. A shirt or hand towel can be used as a filter for swamp water and are very comforting supplies, along with a pair of socks. Improve on any of the items above such as by purchasing your favorite water or liquor, packing marshmallows or bringing a frisbee.
Prepare for the conditions you are entering. For example, sunglasses will prevent sun or snow blindness while a plethora of plastic bags for solar sills would be essential in desert areas and mosquito netting would be useful in woodlands. Other items you may want to include are tooth picks, bobby pins, cotton swabs, tampons, tweezers, soap, safety pins, a folding shovel, a mirror, duct tape, a sewing kit, or a pencil (pens can freeze) and paper.
